cataclysm — A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætəklɪzəm/
Korean meaning: 대격변, 대재앙 (자연재해나 사회적 격변)
Korean pronunciation: **캐**터클리즘
Example Sentences
- The coffee machine breaking down at 8 AM was a cataclysm for the office workers.
- Climate change could lead to an environmental cataclysm.
- The student considered forgetting his homework a personal cataclysm.
cataclysm
NOUN//ˈkætəklɪzəm//
A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context

A coastal city faces a cataclysm of earthquake and tsunami

From cataclysm's schism, light through prism brings hope.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'kataklysmos' meaning 'a deluge or flood', derived from 'kata-' (down) and 'klyzein' (to wash or flood). The word was used to describe Noah's flood in Greek translations of the Bible and later generalized to mean any catastrophic event.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The coffee machine breaking down at 8 AM was a cataclysm for the office workers.”
“Climate change could lead to an environmental cataclysm.”
“The student considered forgetting his homework a personal cataclysm.”
“The stock market crash was an economic cataclysm that affected millions.”
“Running out of Wi-Fi data felt like a modern cataclysm to the teenager.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.